Apparatus Method and System of Balanced Left/Right Conditioning

ABSTRACT

In general and for simplicity of description, the present invention provides realtime feedback to a user of exercise equipment, showing the user the relative input force the user applies between left and right contact points with exercise equipment that has a singular resistance mechanism. By receiving this feedback, a user can balance or adjust to their desired ratio physical effort between the user&#39;s left and right engagement points and/or muscle groups with the exercise equipment, thereby achieving desired workouts.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Generally, the present invention relates to methods, systems and apparatus for optimizing physical fitness. In more particularity, the present invention relates to a feedback system for exercise equipment, whereby the invention informs a user of symmetry of work to provide balanced exercise across a user's body.

BACKGROUND

Physical fitness has become a high priority for many individuals, including every-day athletes as well as aspiring youth athletes and professionals alike. As a result, physical fitness activities have become more popular, including resistance or weight training with machines or structured equipment. Weight training can be generally described as using certain muscle groups against an opposing force, which is typically a physical weight, gravity, spring derived, hydraulic, pneumatic or combinations thereof. For simplicity of description, each of the preceding described opposing forces may be referred to hereafter as a weight or resistance.

Often individuals conduct weight training at a gym or on home gym equipment. The equipment used is typically either a free-weight system where an individual moves a weight without structural or path-guided assistant or via a mechanical system that provides a structured path-guided assistance to movement of the weight. Certain path-guided assistance machines are manufactured and sold under the trade name CYBEX® (Brunswick Corp. Illinois), and Nautilus® (Nautilus, Inc., Washington) to name a few.

While it is universally accepted that regular exercise and physical activity are important for long-term health and well-being, the quality of exercise and activity is possible more important than the frequency, particularly for athletes or individuals striving for excellence. Without proper form and diligence given to exercise and activity one can cause injury to joint and muscles, or develop musculature unevenly and possibly promote or discourage proper or improved activity, health and well-being. A benefit of the path-guided assistance equipment heavily relied upon in modern gyms is that such machines reduce the risk of injury by mechanically controlling or guiding the path of motion of the user across or along a pre-defined path. Another benefit to prior art exercise equipment is efforts to balance workout throughout the stroke of use of a muscle group, such as the disclosure in US 2008/0248926 to Cole, the disclosure of which is incorporated hereby by reference in its entirety.

However, a major drawback of many mechanical path-guided exercise equipment systems is that often the user engages a solid bar or platform upon which to apply their force to move the weight and conduct the exercise. Moreover, often on certain equipment the weight is a single weight stack that is operated in a singular movement of the equipment, however, two different muscle groups (for example, left and right legs with respect to leg press type equipment and/or left and right arms with respect to equipment for upper-body workout) work independent of each other but singularly with respect to the equipment. This fixed bar or platform mechanism can allow the user to apply their force unevenly between left and right appendages and thus engage or favor one muscle group over another and achieve sub-optimal and unequal development.

The need exists for real-time measurement and feedback informing users of mechanical path guided exercise equipment of their performance between left and right appendages (feet, legs, hands or arms as the case may be) such that a user can adjust power output and obtain a symmetric balanced body building experience, thereby also reducing chance of injury from a non-balanced exertion of force.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the invention applied to another exercise equipment embodiment;

FIGS. 3A and 3B show an embodiment and an enhanced view of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the present invention including an application interface for users personal data and computing device.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment of the present invention, exercise equipment includes a sensor in communication with the exercise equipment and configured to measure a force from a user when the user uses the equipment. The equipment further includes a central processor in communication with the sensor and configured to read the measured force and a display in communication with the central processor, wherein the central processor displays an output value to the user on the display. The equipment, according to further embodiments, includes multiple sensors configured to receive force from multiple user contact points with the exercise equipment. The central processor produces an output value from each sensor representing each user contact point and the user interface displays each output value to the user. In a preferred embodiment, the sensors are positioned to receive force applied to the equipment through two user contact points such that the user can determine force applied to the equipment through each independent contact point. The sensors are configured to receive force applied to the equipment from the user's hands, arms, legs or feet and the sensors are also in communication with handle grips, leg pads, arm pads or foot engagement points of the equipment. The output value of the sensor is typically displayed to the user in pounds, kilograms or Newtons and the output value of each of the user's engagement points can be displayed to the user as a percentage of the total force applied to the equipment.

In some embodiments, the sensor is a pressure sensor having two or more flexible layers and the sensor can be a piezoresistive ink printed on the flexible layers.

The present invention also includes a method for balancing physical effort between multiple user's engagement points with exercise equipment. The equipment transmitting a first force from a user's first engagement point with the equipment to a sensor coupled with the equipment, transmitting a second force from a user's second engagement point with the equipment to a second sensor coupled with the equipment, reads the first and second sensors to determine force applied to each sensor independently by the user's first and second engagement point; and displays the force of the first engagement point and the force of the second engagement point to the user, wherein the user can adjust the force applied through the first or second engagement point to equalize the force applied on the equipment.

The force is displayed real time as the user applies the force to the equipment and the force displayed provides the user with quantitative information of applied force through the first and second engagement point independently. Due to the displayed information, the user is informed how to adjust the force applied through the first or second engagement point thereby resulting in a desired workout.

The present invention also includes a system for balancing physical development between left and right body appendages. The system includes a first sensor configured and dimensioned to be coupled with an exercise equipment and engaged by a left body appendage of a user; a second sensor configured and dimensioned to be coupled with the exercise equipment and engaged by a right body appendage of a user; a central processor in communication with the first and second sensors and configured to read the force applied by the user to each of the first and second sensors; and a user interface display in communication with the central processor and configured to independently display force applied to the left and right sensors to the user, wherein the user can adjust the force applied to the left or right body appendage to balance applied force to the exercise equipment. The first and second sensors of the system can be configured to engage the user's hands, arms, legs or feet and the first and second sensors can be coupled with handle grips, leg pads, arm pads or foot engagement pads of the exercise equipment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art. In general and for simplicity of description, the present invention provides realtime feedback to a user of exercise equipment the equivalency of input force the user applies between different muscle groups being worked at a given time. The present invention includes, in an embodiment, positioned to receive force applied to the equipment by a user, a central processor coupled with the sensor to process the data gathered by the sensor and a display unit in communication with the central processor to display the loads applied to the sensors to the user. In a preferred embodiment and with respect to exercise equipment engaged by both feet of a user, for example, there is a first sensor configured to be engaged by the users first foot and a second sensor configured to be engaged by the user's second foot. In this particular embodiment example, as the user applied force through their legs and feet, the force generated at each first and second sensor is independently read, processed by the central processor and, preferably transferred to the display in realtime for the user to interpret and adjust, if desired, the force in respective legs to equally work each leg and/or foot. It will be appreciated that the present invention can also be utilized by a user to work one body appendage to the desired amount with respect to another appendage. For example, the present invention can also be extremely helpful for rebuilding one body component following an injury, surgery or another situation that leaves a user with one under developed or less able body component than another, for example but not by limitation, the left arm compared to the right arm following an injury to the left arm. Continuing this example, a user or a user's physician or physical therapist may require forty percent effort for several weeks compared to normal effort on the user's unaffected right side, followed by raising by 10 percent effort weekly over the following weeks until both left and right are equally equipped.

Referring now to the Figures for further detailed description and enablement of the present invention, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the present invention applied to exercise equipment directed to leg press exercises for working the lower extremities of a body. Leg press 100 is shown with seat 110 and back support 112 for receiving a user. In movable connection with the leg press equipment 100 is foot platform 115 for engaging a users feet to operate the leg press. Foot platform 115 also includes a left and right sensor (132, 134) configured for receiving users left and right foot, respectively. Leg press 100 also includes central processor and display 138. It will be appreciated that central processor and display can be a combined unit or separate units. For example, multiple exercise equipment may be in communication with a central processor for reading and controlling the display on each respective equipment, or each equipment may have their own dedicated central processor.

Central processor and display 138, can be, for example, connected to equipment 100 through arm 120. Arm 120 can be fixed or movable such that display 138 can be adjusted in comfort for different users of equipment 100. Sensors 132, 134 are in communication 136 with central processor display unit 138. It will be appreciated communication 136 between sensors 132, 134 and central processor display 138 can be any appropriate communication, such as for example, wire or wireless communication. If communication 136 is wireless, it is preferred to include a unique code from each sensor 132, 134 for display such that the correct sensor reading is displayed to a user on the correct equipment and/or correct characterization on a given display. This example is particularly important when using multiple equipment utilizing a single or several central processors.

In continuation of FIG. 1 description, central processor display 138 show a user they applied 55 pounds through the left (“L”) leg and 62 pounds through the right (“R”) leg during the current use of the equipment. Therefore, in use a user may desire to find an equilibrium of force applied through their left and right to symmetrically build their musculature structure, which might be ideal for advancing their look and/or physical ability and agility in sport or competition. In the alternative, a user may be restricted to less work on one side than another and/or desire apply more or less force through one body side than the other for a variety of medical and/or condition reasons. Either of these symmetrical or asymmetrical body building efforts are enabled with precision, accuracy and enhanced end-result for a user by the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the present invention applied to another form of exercise equipment designed to engage and work a different set of muscle groups. According to FIG. 2, exercise equipment 100 is a combination equipment that provides for bench press, incline press, overhead press and other such upper body exercise techniques, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Exercise equipment includes exercise equipment 100 having a frame and seat 110 and back support 112 for receiving a user. Equipment 100 also includes hand grips 117 a and 117 b connected through lever arms 118 a and 118 b respectively. Equipment 100 also includes sensors 132, 134 respectively associated with hand grips 117 a and 117 b. Sensors 132, 134 are in communication with central processor 137 for interpreting, calculating and displaying, on display 138, measurements taken by sensors 132, 134. Central processor 137 can be separate or integral with display 138, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Display 138, whether separate or integral with central processor 137, can be moveably or fixed coupled with exercise equipment 100. According to FIG. 2, display 138 is movably coupled with equipment 100 through arm 120, providing swing, swivel and/or rotation 122 of display 138 for convenience and usability of user, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, central processor and display are connected with a power source or contain a power source for carrying out the activities disclosed in the present application. In an alternative embodiment, equipment 100 can be self sufficient and the power for the central processor and display can be powdered by electricity generated by the user in operating the exercise equipment.

According to FIG. 2, a method of using the present invention includes a user engaging equipment 100 by sitting on seat 110 and grasping hand grips 117 a and 117 b with the users left and right hands, respectively. Because sensors 132, 134 are coupled with hand grips 117 a and 117 b, respectively, as a user manipulates equipment 100 the users force is applied to hand grips 117 a and/or 117 b and sensors 132, 134 measure the users applied force 200. Central processor 137 calculates or interprets reading from sensors 132, 134 and displays the outcome on display 138. In the particular example shown in FIG. 2, the left sensor (132) measured a force of 47 and the right sensor (134) measures a force of 42, as shown in display 138. Accordingly, the user can modify the force chosen to be applied through respective hand grips 117 a and/or 117 b to achieve the work desired on the particular body portion under development or maintenance. It will be appreciated by one of skill in the art the force 200 applied by the user can be for chest press, incline press, overhead press or the like and the present invention will work equally so long as the sensors 132, 134 are positioned accordingly on hand grips 117 a and 117 b. In alternative embodiments sensors 132, 134 can be a single sensor on hand grip 117 a and 117 b, respectively, or sensor 132 can be comprised of multiple individual sensors positioned about and around hand grip 117 a, each in communication with central processor to carry out the present invention as described herein.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show the present invention in use with a user engaging exercise equipment 100. FIG. 3A shows a full image of a user engaging equipment 100, while FIG. 3B shows a blow-up image of users engagement with hand grips and sensors of the present invention shown in FIG. 3A. According to this example, a user engages equipment 100 and grasps hand grips 117 a and 117 b with their left and right hands, respectively. Upon grasping hand grips 117 a and 117 b the user engages sensors 132, 134, as shown in position for performing a bench press or chest press exercise. When the user applies their force to hand grips 117 a and 117 b to use equipment 100, sensors 132, 134 measure the users applied force 200, communicate through connection 136 with central processor and display 138 for displaying to the user their respective left and right work. In this example, user is applying a force of 35 on their left and 32 on their right. From receiving the realtime data on display, user can adjust their force 200 to a desired amount between the left and right arms to achieve the work respectively desired on each arm.

According to another embodiment, the present invention also includes equipment, methods and systems for communication with a users personal data device, such as a phone, table or computer. According to such embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, user's phone 300 is in communication 310 with central processor 138. Such communication can be through a wired connection, such as a usb port or other universal connection, or through a wireless connection, such as WiFi, Bluetooth or other acceptable form of communication. The present invention also includes an interne based computer application that provides a user, if desired by user, an account that maintains the users workout data reading from sensors on equipment. The computer application allows the user to follow trends in their training, monitor progression, reminders to workout and/or what to focus on during workouts, weights previously used on which equipment, suggest workout to maximize a users efforts, counseling, and the like. The application also provides a social platform where the user can link their account with other's workout accounts, compete or connect on skills and items of similar interest. In another embodiment, the application can also interface with other social applications, such as for example, Facebook, Garmin Connect and the like.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the application 400. Application 400 can automatically identify a user, download the user's data from a central storage or calculation center, or interact directly with the user's data on a user's device 300. In some embodiments, the application and user interface further include the description and, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, are enabled by the information contained in U.S. Patent Applications and Patents US20160042152A and U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,403, including the applications and patents referenced and cited therein, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Further description and, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, enablement of the exercise equipment applicable to the present invention, as well as the variety of equipment that can benefit from the present invention include the information contained in U.S. Patent Applications and U.S. Patents US20180272181; U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,166,435; 7,278,955; 6,743,158; 6,056,678; 564,051; 5,628,715; ,5,620,402; 497,190; 490,865; and the like, including the applications and patents referenced and cited therein, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments of the present invention the sensor 132, 134 are a pressure sensor, load cell, strain gauge, force cell or the like. Generally, for example, a load cell is a transducer that converts force into a measurable electrical output or signal. Although there are many varieties of force sensors, strain gauge load cells are the most commonly used type. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sensor (132, 134) can be a force sensor, such as for example, a force sensitive resistors such as a piezoresistive force sensors or a touch sensor. Generally, a force sensitive resistor measures a compressive force directly instead of correlating the strain of a substrate to which the sensor is associated in the case of a strain gauge. According to a preferred embodiment, the sensor is formed from flexible layers of, for example, printed piezoresistive ink or the like. Upon the application of force to those layers, such as a compressive force from a user utilizing the exercise equipment as described herein, the force applied to the sensor compresses layers together. This compression results in a proportional change in electrical signal, that can be captured by a central processing unit and converted into a user understandable value in force units, such as pounds or kilograms. These sensors can also be thin, including thicknesses from a few millimeters to 0.2 millimeters in thickness. The sensors are also flexible, contributing to the usability on differently shaped surfaces, such as arched or rounded hand grips or flat user engagement surfaces. Other sensors capable of utilization in the present invention are described herein.

Pressure Sensors

In general a pressure sensor useful in the present invention is any device that changes a physical deformation into an electrical signal, including capacitive, millivolt, voltage or current. A pressure transducer, transmitter, and switch are all types of pressure sensors.

Pressure Transducer

A pressure transducer, often called a pressure transmitter, is a transducer that converts pressure into an analog electrical signal. Although there are various types of pressure transducers, one of the most common is the strain-gage base transducer. The conversion of pressure into an electrical signal is achieved by the physical deformation of strain gages which are bonded into a diaphragm of the pressure transducer and wired into a wheatstone bridge configuration.

Pressure Transmitter

A pressure transmitter converts a physical pressure into an electrical output. Most transmitter put out a 4 to 20 mA output. These are commonly 2 wired loop powered device that connect in series with a power supply and data acquisition system, such as central processor 137.

Load Cell Pressure Sensors

Generally in the industry, load cell designs can be distinguished according to the type of input or mechanism of measuring the input. For example, there are pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, piezoelectric gauges and each can differ according to the way they detect weight, for example, through bending, shear, compression, tension, or otherwise, each of which will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Hydraulic Load Cells

Hydraulic load cells are force-balance devices, measuring weight as a change in pressure in the internal filling fluid of the load cell. According to one example, in a rolling diaphragm type hydraulic force sensors, a load or force acting on a loading head is transferred to a piston that in turn compresses a filling fluid confined within an elastomeric diaphragm chamber. As force increases, the pressure of the hydraulic fluid rises. This pressure can be locally indicated or transmitted for remote indication or control. Output is linear and relatively unaffected by the amount of the filling fluid or by its temperature. If load cells have been properly installed and calibrated, accuracy can be within 0.25% full scale or better, acceptable for most process weighing applications. Because this sensor has no electric components, it is particularly suited for use in hazardous areas. Some examples of typical hydraulic load cell applications include, but are not limited to tank, bin, and hopper weighing.

Pneumatic Load Cells

Pneumatic load cells also operate on the force-balance principle. Pneumatic devices typically use multiple dampener chambers to provide higher accuracy than can be achieved with a hydraulic device. In some designs, the first dampener chamber is used as a tare weight chamber. Pneumatic load cells are often used to measure relatively small weights in industries. Pneumatic load cells are also typically applied where cleanliness and safety are of prime concern.

Miniature Load Cell

In some applications, miniaturized load cells have advantages that include, but are not limited to their being inherently explosion proof and insensitive to temperature variations. Additionally, miniature load cells contain no fluids that might contaminate the process if the diaphragm ruptures. Disadvantages include relatively slow speed of response and, often, the need for clean, dry, regulated air or nitrogen.

Strain-gauge Load Cell

Strain gauge force sensors convert the load acting on them into electrical signals. Strain gauges can sense or measure either tension or compression. In the present invention, a particular embodiment utilizes compression strain gauges that, when weight is applied changes electrical resistance across the gauge in proportion to the force, which is then transmitted to a central processor for processing that information into reader friendly display metrics as disclosed elsewhere herein. The gauges themselves can be, for example, bonded onto a beam or structural member that deforms when weight is applied. In most cases, four strain gauges are used to obtain maximum sensitivity and temperature compensation. Two of the gauges are usually in tension, and two in compression, and are wired with compensation adjustments. When weight is applied, the strain changes the electrical resistance of the gauges in proportion to the force.

Piezoresistive Load Cell

Similar in operation to strain gauges, piezoresistive force sensors generate a high level output signal, making them compatible for simple weighing systems because they can be connected directly to a readout meter. In general, a piezoelectric sensor includes a quartz crystal that generates a charge when pressure is applied. This charge is measured or read by the central processor 137 and changed into a user interpretable value such as pounds or kilograms.

Inductive and Reluctance Load Cells

Both of these devices respond to the weight-proportional displacement of a ferromagnetic core. One changes the inductance of a solenoid coil due to the movement of its iron core; the other changes the reluctance of a very small air gap.

Magnetostrictive Load Cells

The operation of a magnetostrictive force sensor or load cell is based on the change in permeability of ferromagnetic materials under applied stress. It is built from a stack of laminations forming a load-bearing column around a set of primary and secondary transformer windings. When a force is applied, the stresses cause distortions in the flux pattern, generating an output signal proportional to the applied load. This is a rugged sensor and commonly used for force and weight measurement in rolling mills and strip mills.

According to a preferred embodiment of the apparatus, method and system of the present invention, the equipment is one configured such that two points of user force application manipulate a single action of moving the weight or resistance of the equipment. Said in another phrasing, the equipment is configured such that a user's left and right don't work independently but together move a single force. According to this embodiment of the present invention, the user contacts sensors (or a single sensor configured to read two points of applied force separately) for reading the force applied to the equipment to workout. The sensors readings are read and computed by the central processor and displayed through a display to the use such that the user can adjust or balance their applied force as desired between their left and right contact points. In some embodiments, the equipment include a single weight stack or force resistance device and is operated in a singular movement of the equipment, however, as a user applies force to the equipment through two different muscle groups (for example, left and right legs with respect to leg press type equipment and/or left and right arms with respect to equipment for upper-body workout) the users force is pooled into a single force with respect to operating the equipment. Thus, the user can be fooled as to the amount of work being done by the left or right appendage independently as a fixed bar or single platform mechanism can allow the user to apply their force unevenly between left and right appendages and thus engage or favor one muscle group over another and achieve sub-optimal and unequal development and performance. The sensors and display feedback apparatus, methods and system of the present invention provide the user with critical information of work being done by left versus right, which has not been previously available to the user.

The embodiments described in this application are intended to be examples of the present invention described and enabled herein and not an exhaustive compilation of the potential applications of the present invention. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention described and enabled herein can be readily applied to a vast majority of exercise equipment. Further examples of the utility of the present invention include the application of the present invention to a vast majority of exercise equipment utilized in a gym. The present invention is also applicable to bicycle pedals, hand grips, diving boards, or any surface that a force is applied and a user desires to know and/or balance or tune the force being applied across multiple contact points. The present invention can also be applied to an article of clothing, such as the shoe sole (outer or inner), gloves, or other body areas as necessary to carry out the described intension and effect of the present invention. 

1. Exercise equipment, comprising a combined resistance to left and right appendage force input, comprising a sensor in communication with the exercise equipment configured to measure a force from a user's left and right equipment contact points when the user uses the equipment.
 2. The equipment of claim 1, further comprising a central processor in communication with the sensor and configured to read the measured force.
 3. The equipment of claim 2, further comprising a display in communication with the central processor, wherein the central processor displays an output value to the user on the display.
 4. The equipment of claim 3, further comprising, multiple sensors configured to independently read force from the user's left and right contact points with the exercise equipment.
 5. The equipment of claim 4, wherein the central processor produces an output value from each sensor representing each user contact point and the user interface displays each output value to the user.
 6. The equipment of claim 4, wherein the sensors are positioned to receive force applied to the equipment through two user contact points such that the user can determine force applied to the equipment through each independent contact point.
 7. The equipment of claim 4, wherein the sensors are configured to receive force applied to the equipment from the user's hands, arms, legs or feet.
 8. The equipment of claim 4, wherein the sensors are in communication with handle grips, leg pads, arm pads or foot engagement points of the equipment.
 9. The equipment of claim 3, wherein the output value of the sensor is displayed to the user in pounds, kilograms or Newtons.
 10. The equipment of claim 4, wherein the output value of each of the user's engagement points are displayed to the user as a percentage of the total force applied to the equipment.
 11. The exercise equipment of claim 4, wherein the output value of each of the user's engagement points are displayed to the user in pounds, kilograms or Newtons as a component of the total force applied to the equipment.
 12. The exercise equipment of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor comprising two or more flexible layers.
 13. The exercise equipment of claim 12, wherein the sensor comprises piezoresistive ink printed on the flexible layers.
 14. A method for balancing physical effort between a user's engagement points with exercise equipment, comprising: transmitting a first force from a user's first engagement point with the equipment to a sensor coupled with the equipment; transmitting a second force from a user's second engagement point with the equipment to a second sensor coupled with the equipment; reading the first and second sensors to determine force applied to each sensor independently by the user's first and second engagement point; and displaying the force of the first engagement point and the force of the second engagement point to the user, wherein the user can adjust the force applied through the first or second engagement point to equalize the force applied on the equipment.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the force displayed is displayed real time as the user applies the force to the equipment.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the force displayed provides the user with quantitative information of applied force through the first and second engagement point independently.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the displayed information allows the user to adjust the force applied through the first or second engagement point thereby resulting in a desired workout.
 18. A system for balancing physical development between left and right body appendages, comprising: a first sensor configured and dimensioned to be coupled with an exercise equipment and engaged by a left body appendage of a user; a second sensor configured and dimensioned to be coupled with the exercise equipment and engaged by a right body appendage of a user; a central processor in communication with the first and second sensors and configured to read the force applied by the user to each of the first and second sensors; and a user interface display in communication with the central processor and configured to independently display force applied to the left and right sensors to the user, wherein the user can adjust the force applied to the left or right body appendage to balance applied force to the exercise equipment.
 19. The system for balancing physical development between left and right body appendages of claim 18, wherein the first and second sensors are configured to engage the user's hands, arms, legs or feet.
 20. The system for balancing physical development between left and right body appendages of claim 18, wherein the first and second sensors are coupled with handle grips, leg pads, arm pads or foot engagement pads of the exercise equipment. 